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Dusk was falling by the time we left Willa’s behind at last, my treasured dress swathed safely in muslin and lace paper. Lily kept up a stream of effusive praise as we strolled the lamplit avenues back towards home. But I was only half listening as anticipation roiled inside me. Soon, I would stand resplendent beside my love at long last.
But as the academy’s shadowed spires pierced the horizon, I felt a resurgence of strange melancholy I could not rationally place. Something about this beacon of earlier joy and possibility coming into view reawoke smothered apprehensions I had battled all day. Perhaps in these halls of learning, mundane concerns inevitably diluted young love’s extraordinary power.
Lily sensed the shift in my reflective silence. “You’ll outshine every star commanded to bless your day,” she pronounced fiercely, as though reading my thoughts. “No one who matters can doubt what lies between you now.”
I blinked back my melancholy to trace a tremulous smile. “You always see straight to the heart of things, my friend. Your clarity is a gift.” Impulsively, I pulled her into a heartfelt embrace right there beneath the iron gates.
Lily returned my sudden hug just as tightly. Together, we turned to climb the steps back into daily routines and trivial demands. But our hearts yet soared from the day’s secret glories.
I readied myself for bed that night, still cradled in joyful purpose. The mysterious forces the Headmistress had invoked now seemed impossibly remote from my shining circle. Love had triumphed over doubt at every crossroads. And soon its ultimate victory would be enacted before gathering witnesses.
My betrothed and I would be bound, inextricably conjoined through this life and all yet to come. I fell asleep still picturing myself wreathed in ethereal silk and moonbeams, pledging my soul to the noble man fate had crafted just for me. Reality could surely never match such resplendence. And yet, I had found the living embodiment of that fairy gown today. Some divine hand guided my steps through the hazardous thicket towards eternal joy.
CHAPTER21
Rhys
Moonlight streamedthrough the open window, dancing across Seraphina’s sleeping face in gossamer ribbons. The sight stole my breath, even now. Tomorrow was our wedding day—soon, we would be bound irrevocably, two souls entwined through endless lifetimes. But tonight still stretched ahead, a final gift to savor privately before time’s sand fully ran out.
I drank in the sight of my goddess-given flesh, vulnerable and tranquil amidst silvery dreams. Her serene beauty soothed my ragged spirit, even as anticipation sent my pulse galloping wildly. After endless trials, our joyful union was so near at hand. Yet still, the hours until daylight seemed to crawl.
I could scarcely believe this vision of loveliness would soon vow herself to a cursed creature like me before the eyes of the realms.
I moved silently to her bedside, drinking in the beloved features I knew better than my own. Her silvery hair streamed across the pillows, lips curved gently even in repose. Seraphina’s ethereal beauty had entranced me since our first star-crossed meeting. But her luminous heart and dauntless spirit had worked far greater magic, bringing light and hope to pierce my lonely dark. Each moment in her orbit was a blessing.
Unable to resist, I leaned down, brushing feather-light lips across her brow. Seraphina stirred sluggishly, a soft hum escaping her throat. I smiled against her skin, peace cascading through me. No finer music existed than her voice shaped in contentment.
“Wake up, my darling,” I whispered. “Your Romeo awaits to worship you properly.”
At my murmur, her eyes fluttered open, gray irises drowsy and unfocused. Gradually, awareness kindled to life, her gaze finding mine in startled joy.
“Rhys!” She sat up swiftly, throwing her arms about my neck in reckless abandon. “Gods, you shouldn’t be here.” Disbelieving wonder etched her exquisite features. “We’re getting married tomorrow. It’s bad luck to see each other... or something like that.” She rubbed her eyes.
I pulled her closer, savoring the press of her lithe frame to mine, her rapid pulse beneath my seeking hand. “I could not bear another night deprived of you, sweet bride of mine.” I sealed the daring vow against her lips, glorying in the soft gasp my fervor elicited.
Seraphina melted into my devouring kiss for several heartbeats before gently breaking away, eyes dancing. “Such sacrilege, Mr. Greystone. Sneaking into a lady’s quarters unmarried?” Despite her scolding tone, undisguised longing smoldered in her stormcloud gaze. “Whatever shall the gossips say?”
I trailed kisses slowly down her elegant neck, careless of propriety. “Let them wag their tongues. I intend to make you my wife in full before this night passes.” To emphasize my intent, I nipped delicately at her fluttering pulse. Her breathless laugh was sweet victory. No force could part us now.
Before ardor overwhelmed reason entirely, I leaned back, taking both her hands in mine. “I bring a gift to mark this night, my star.” From a hidden pocket, I drew two gleaming rings, a polished silver set with swirling opal.
Seraphina’s eyes widened beautifully. “They’re gorgeous, Rhys.” Awe softened her voice. “Is it tradition to exchange them this early?”
I stroked her knuckles, heart full to bursting. “You are my life entire, traditions be damned. I wish to swear myself to you tonight, with only the two of us present in intimate union.” Nerves plucked at me unexpectedly. “That is... if my lady consents?”
Joyful tears brimmed over me as Seraphina flung her arms about me once more. “Yes, a thousand times!” Her watery laugh was ambrosia. “There’s nothing on heaven or earth I desire more.”
My eyes prickled traitorously. That this beautiful creature had selected me as her counterpart still defied my comprehension. But I would spend eternity striving to be worthy of her preciously placed trust.
Taking her hand, I drew Seraphina to the rug before the softly crackling hearth. No mortal witness could sanction this midnight ritual except the watching stars. But our love blazed bright enough without priestly verse or watered wine. This was a vow between souls, not earthly pageantry.
I knelt facing my radiant bride, her beauty stealing rational thought. For a moment, words failed me. I could only stare helplessly, struggling to convey the force of emotion threatening to burst from my mortal frame. Seraphina watched me steadily through her own sheen of tears, her smile radiant with understanding. Speaking vows proved unnecessary; our spirits recognized one another beyond doubt. But still, I must try to shape some piece of the profound gift lying undeserved in my monstrous hands this night.
“Seraphina, my goddess divine. You alone illuminated the twisted path I blindly walked, called me back from the edge of unending dark. Your light guides me safely home, anchoring this foundering ship, no matter how the tempests rage.” My voice shook with sincerity’s force. “You ask for nothing, though I would lay the heavens themselves at your feet. Your grace humbles and exalts me.” I pressed an ardent kiss to her hands, blinking back hot tears. “With you, I need not walk in solitude. My fate is joyfully entwined with yours, come what may.”
I picked up her wedding ring, hands trembling. “Therefore, I take you as my wife, binding myself to you eternal. Not even mortality can sunder us.” I slid the band gently into place, magic subtly thrumming between us as her oath took shape.
Seraphina gazed at the shimmering silver circlet on her elegant finger. Then she lifted luminous eyes back to mine, infinite love and trust shining forth. “Oh, my darling dark angel,” she whispered raggedly, taking up the matching band meant for my hand. “My heart recognized you as home the moment we first met. You see me not as an accursed outcast, but cherished partner. Together, we build a future denied to us apart.” She slid the ring slowly onto my knuckle, her voice thick with fervor. “By this token, I take you as my husband beyond death’s dominion. Our souls are forever melded through joy and trial.”
